Building structure



RE BUILDING STRUCTU 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 4, 1962 INVENTOR. Shepard Vogelgesang BY NOV 2, 1955 s. voGELGr-:SANG 3,214,872

BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed April 4, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Shepard Vogelgesang Y Affys.

United States Patent O 3,214,872 BUILDING STRUCTURE Shepard Vogelgesang, RJ). 2, Dalton, Whitefield, NH. Filed Apr. 4, 1962, Ser. No. 184,976 8 Claims. (Cl. 52-82) This invention relates in general to building constructions and more particularly to a new and improved building structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved building structure.

It is another object to provide a building structure which is simple in construction and incorporates a new and improved framework.

It is still another object to provide a building structure which can readily be assembled initially as a simple single floor dwelling, for example, and subsequently expanded with a minimum of eifort to an elaborate multiple floor structure.

It is yet another object to provide a new and improved building structure having predominantly external structural Supports so as to permit substantial freedom of internal planning on each floor of the structure.

It is yet a further object to provide a building structure of the aforedescribed character which is simple and inexpensive to construct yet which is structurally more rigid than generally similar constructions heretofore utilized.

It is still a further object to provide a building structure incorporating a framework construction which delines a base readily adaptable to irregular terrain.

It is another object to provide a building structure wherein rainwater and snow, for example, are projected far from the structural supports and doors and windows of the `structure to provide maximum shelter from the elements.

It is still another object to provide a building structure of the immediately aforedescribed character which shades the sides of the building and doors and windows to assure deep shadows during the northern hot months of the year and excellent sun penetration during the northern cold months of the year.

It is yet a further object to provide a building structure incorporating a framework construction which can be simply pre-engineered and pre-fabricated for assembly in the held.

The above and other objects are realized in accordance with the present invention by providing a new and improved building structure. The invention contemplates the use of a framework comprising at least two frame members, each having a configuration generally resembling a C. Each C-frame member includes two substantially right angle component members having adjacent ends tied together at the apex of the roof of the building structure and their opposite ends mounted in foundation supports or otherwise tied together at the base of the structure. Each C-frame is, in turn, interconnected with each other C-frame at the apex of the roof of the building structure.

The right angle component members are each inclined at -a predetermined angle to the horizontal to form an upwardly diverging side frame work for the building structure and an upwardly converging roof framework, A floor seats within the cooperating C-frames and rests on the diverging side framework dveloped thereby so as to urge the frame component members outwardly against the ties at the apex and at the base of the building structure and form a solidly rigid building framework.

Conventional roofing is readily supported by the roof framework while conventional siding might be supported in vertically extending relationship on the oor or in upwardly diverging relationship in keeping with the con- 3,214,872 Patented Nov. 2, 1965 figuration of the side framework. The oor forms a roof for a lower level in the building structure if such a lower level is desired. In the event such a lower level is desirable, conventional siding is easily constructed from the ground support below it.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, taken with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of a building structure embodying the features of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is `a front elevational view of the building structure illustrated in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view of a C-frame which forms a component of the framework in the building structure shown in FIGURES l and 2;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the framework and floor embodied in the building structure illustrated in FIG- URES l and 2, showing additional bracing framework incorporated;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the apex of the framework illustrated in FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a sectional View taken through a building structure similar to that illustrated in FIGURE 2 with a lower dwelling level added.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGURES 1 and 2, a building structure embodying the features of the present invention is illustrated generally at 10. The building structure 10 includes a framework 11 which supports a hipped roof 12 and a floor 13, as well as siding 14, from the terrain 15. The framework 11 includes a pair of C-frames 20 and 21 which are tied together at the apex of the roof of the building structure 1G and are mounted in foundation supports or otherwise tied together at the base of the structure; in other words, at the level of the terrain. The roof 12 is inclined inwardly while the siding 14 is supported on the floor 13 within the contines of the C-frames 20 and 21 in upwardly diverging relationship.

The iioor 13 urges the C-frames 20 and 21 outwardly at a point between the lower ends of the C-frames, which are supported in a foundation, for example, and the apex of each C-frame, which is continuous. In other words, the Hoor 13 reacts against ties effectively provided at the apex and the base of the framework 11. This insures a solidly rigid framework 11 for the structure 10.

As seen in FIGURE 3, the C-frame 20 comprises oppositely disposed right angle frame members 30 and 31. The right angle frame members 30 and 31 each include a lower leg 35 `and an upper leg 36 rigidly secured together at an angle of by any conventional means, as at 37. In practice, this angle might be rigidly maintained by the provision of vertical braces such as are illustrated at 3S in FIGURE 3, or in the alternative by gussets such as illustrated at 39. In effect, the right angle frame members are unitary in construction. Each right angle frame member 31 is secured at the apex of the building structure 10 to its oppositely disposed counterpart frame member 39 through a connector ring assembly 40. As will be seen, the legs 3S of the opposed frame members 30 and 31 diverge upwardly to the legs 36 from an imaginary common point beneath the terrain. The legs 36 in turn, converge upwardly to an apex at the connector ring assembly 40. Each pair of oppositely disposed legs 36 forms a back member defining ridges in the hipped roof 12.

The base 41 of each leg 35 might be seated in a foundation support of concrete, for example, or in the case of sandy or loamy soil, the oppositely disposed legs 3S might be otherwise tied together at their lower ends. The C- frame 21 is identical in construction to the C-frame 20,

'ventional machine bolts 47.

and consequently is not described in detail here. Identical components of each of the C-frames are identified by identical reference numerals.

. As further seen in FIGURE 3, the floor 13 of the build- `C-frames and 21 are maintained in rigid relationship uby the oor 13 and the framework 11 is also rigidified.

The legs 35 preferably extend at an angle of 60 or thereabouts to the horizontal, although this might be varied within limits.

Referring now to FIGURE 4,. it will be seen that, in plan, the C-frames 20 and 21 are preferably interconnected at the connector assembly 40 in substantially right angle relationship. It is conceivable, of course, that more than two C-frames might be utilized, in which case the C-frames would be spaced at lesser angles. The lloor 13 seated within the C-frames includes and is supported by generally horizontal beams 42 which extend around the periphery of the oor 13 and are joined to corresponding legs 35 `of the framework 11 in any well known manner.

.To rigidify the entire framework 11 against parallelogram type deformation in the plane of the oor 13, triangular bits 43.y are sometimes extended from the midpoint of the beams 42 (seein dotted lines in FIGURE 4) and the` floor joists 44 laid diagonally of the beams 42, ex-

:tending intoithe triangular bits 43. The floor 13 would then be star shaped, of course, and the roof 12 would be similarly designed in plan.

Theconnector assembly 40 preferably comprises a plurality of generally irregularly shaped tie straps 45 composed of steel strip, for example. As will be seen, each f strap 45 includes a pair of oppositely disposed arms 46 extending at substantially right angles to each other and connected through an appropriate leg 36 of a corresponding C-frame to an oppositely disposed corresponding leg 46 of the opposed strap member 45, preferably by con- It will be noticed, of course, that when the right angle frame members and 31 of each C-frame are secured together by the connector assembly 40, a substantially circular aperture remains through the connector assembly 40. This aperture is opinbefore described, cross joists 51 and roof joists 52 are preferably placed on and rmly secured to (by conventionalmeans) the upwardly converging legs 36 of the C- :frames to yform a part of the roof 12. Subsequently, con- .:.ventional roofing material of any well known composition might be secured to the roof` joists 52.

In-turn, the ,siding 14 is preferably fabricated in any well known manner and supported on the floor 13 of the structure 10. The siding 14 might include picture windows 53 and be inclined outwardly and supported by correspondingv portions of the upwardly diverging legs of the C-frames 20 and 21. On the other hand, the siding -14 might extend 'upwardly in perpendicular relationship i. from the floor 13 and join the roof 12 somewhat further inwardly of its outermost extremities. howeverit shouldl be remembered thatthe details of con- In either case,

struction of the siding 14 are conventional, and the siding might include prefabricated panels or the like.

It will be seen that a building structure has been provided which affords a simply constructed, yet solidly rigid dwelling or the like.

It can be made in a single level embodiment as shown in FlGURES 1 and 2, in which case an entrance way (not shown) is preferably providedextending upwardly through the floor 13 or from the terrain at one side of the structure 10. In this light, the legs 35 of the C-frames 20 and 21 can readily be individually shortened to any extent `so as to adapt the structure for seating on terrain of virtually any contour. As will be also seen, support posts 54 might be set under the floor 13 adjacent the corners of the door so as to extend downwardly into adjacent relationship with the upwardly diverging legs 35 of corresponding frames. These support posts 54 provide bracing for the floor 13 inwardly of the connection between the floor 13 and the upwardly diverging legs. This inner support reduces the bending stress built up in the floor by the weightof the floor itself and the weight of the contents of the structure 10 resting on the floor.

A highly advantageous feature of the presentV invention is the ability of the structure to be readily modified for inclusion of another level. Referring now to FIGURE 6, it will be seenthat the legs 35 of the framework 11.can be extended a suicient distance below the floor 13 .to facilitate the building of a ground level, seen generally at 60, under the iloor 13. .In such case, of course, the chimney 50 might extend downwardly through the floor 13 so that a centrally disposed -replace 61 could be built inthe center of the door 62 of the lower level 60.

The lower level 60 is then provided with siding 63 in any well known manner to complete the building structure 10 as a two-level construction. VAccess to the lower Vlevel 60 might then be attained from the level of the terrain, of course, and access to the upper level through a stairway (not shown) through the floor 13 of the upper level, for example.

As will be seen, the building structure 10 can readily be expanded with a minimum of effort from a single level structure to a somewhat more elaborate multiple level structure. At the same time, due to the fact thatthe support provided the structure 10 by the framework 11 is entirely external of the dwelling itself, complete freedom of internal planning is afforded on each level of the building structure. y

Whether the building structure 10 is developed as a single or as a multiple level structure, it will be seen that the roof 12 projects rain and melting snow far outwardly from the sides of the building. Consequently, maximum shelter from water and ice is assured. This is important, since building structures of the type embodying the features of the present invention nd utility as resort cabins for skiing, or the like. In contrast, however, they might also be utilized in tropical environs or the like.

The upwardly diverging wall construction provided by the C-frame basic framework 11 affords shade on the sides of the building and at the, doors and windows during the northern hot months of the year. 0n the other hand, the sun penetration during the northern cold months of the year is excellent.

The C-frames 20 and 21 are readily pre-engineered and pre-fabricated, of course. It is only ,necessary that the rigid right angle frame members 30 and 31, each of which might be a heavy laminated, interlocking beam construction, be fabricated at a factory, for example. lOnce delivered to a building site the lower ends of the beams, forming the legs 35 of the framework 11 can readily be sheared olf, as at 41, to conform to the terrain while the. upper legs 36 -are secured together by a connector assembly 40. The beams 42 forming the base of and supporting the floor 13 can then readily be set in place and secured to the upwardly extending legs 35. The siding 14 and the roof 12 can be prefabricated for easy installation. if desired, as has been pointed out.

The result is a building structure which is strong and rigid, extremely simple in construction, and which affords consummate ease of modification. In addition, as has been pointed out, the structure is readily adaptable to any terrain as Well as being greatly protective ofthe sides and base of the building structure and the occupants from the elements. Furthermore, the four point support concept minimizes the danger of attack by chewing insets or rodents, for example.

Although the C frame building would normally be constructed with wood framing, other materials might be used as well. The use of steel, for example, permits the Construction of much larger structures.

While an embodiment described herein is at present considered to be preferred, it is understood that various modifications and improvements may be made therein, and it is intended to Cover in the appended claims all such modications and improvements as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is desired to be claimed and secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A building structure for support on terrain comprising: a framework, said framework comprising a plurality of generally C-shaped frame members, each frame member including a back member and a pair of legs depending therefrom, each pair of depending legs having lower free ends and diverging upwardly from an imaginary point below their free lower ends, means firmly mounting said free ends on the terrain so they cannot be forced away from each other, each back member including a pair of upwardly converging legs, each upwardly diverging leg being rigidly connected to a corresponding upwardly converging leg at substantially at right angle, oor means wholly supported by said upwardly diverging legs within said framework so that the bulk of its weight tends to urge said depending legs outwardly against the constraining influence of said mounting means and said back member.

2. The building structure of claim 1 further characterized in that each of said upwardly diverging legs is inclined at an angle of in the neighborhood of about 60 to the horizontal.

3. A building structure comprising: a framework supporting a hipped roof defining an apex of the structure, said framework comprising a plurality of generally C- shaped frame members each of said frame members including a pair of substantially unitary angle members interconnected at the apex of the building structure, each interconnected pair of angle members extending downwardly from said apex into engagement with foundation means, each pair of angle members including lower portions thereof diverging upwardly from an imaginary point below said foundation means and upper portions thereof converging upwardly to said apex, ioor means wholly supported by said upwardly diverging legs within said framework so that the bulk of its weight tends to urge said angle members outwardly against the constraining inuence of their interconnection and said foundation means.

4. A building structure comprising: a framework, said framework comprising a plurality of generally C-shaped frame members, each of said frame members including a pair of unitary angle members interconnected at an upper apex by tie means, each interconnected pair of angle members extending downwardly from said apex into engagement with foundation means, each pair of angle members including lower portions thereof diverging upwardly from an imaginary point below said foundation means and upper portions thereof converging upwardly to said apex, door means wholly supported on said upwardly diverging lower portions within said framework so that the bulk of its weight tends to urge said angle members outwardly against the constraining influence of said tie means and said foundation means.

5. The building structureof claim 4 further characterized in that each pair of angle members is interconnected with each other pair of angle members by said tie means.

6. A buil-ding structure comprising: a framework, said framework comprising a plurality of generally C-shaped frame members, each of said frame members including a pair of unitary right angle members interconnected at an upper apex of the building structure, each interconnected pair of right angle members extending downwardly from said apex into engagement with foundation means, each pair of right angle members including lower portions thereof diverging upwardly from an imaginary point below said foundation means and upper` portions thereof converging upwardly to said apex, door means wholly supported by said upwardly diverging legs Within said framework so that the bulk of its weight tends to urge said right angle members outwardly against the constraining iniiuence of the interconnection between said angle members and said foundation means.

7. The building structure of claim 6 further characterized by and including hipped roof means supported by said upper portions, said upper portions defining the ridges in said hipped roof.

8. The building structure of claim 6 further characterized in that said framework comprises two generally C- shaped frame members extending substantially perpendicular to each other, said floor means including beams extending between and secured to adjacent lower portions of said right angle members, and floor joist means running diagonally of and supported by said beams to prevent deformation of said floor in the plane thereof.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 781,658 2./05 Kassens 20-1.05 1,387,698 8/21 Erickson .20-1.05

FOREIGN PATENTS 604,463 8/ 60 Canada. 959,482 10/49 France. 987,416 4/51 France. 3 18,37 7 2/ 57 Switzerland.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM I. MUSHAKE, CHARLES E. OCONNELL,

Examiners. 

1. A BUILDING STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORT ON TERRAIN COMPRISING: A FRAMEWORK, SAID FRAMWORK COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY C-SHAPED FRAME MEMBERS, EACH FRAME MEMBER INCLUDING A BACK MEMBER AND A PAIR OF LEGS DEPENDING THEREFROM, EACH PAIR OF DEPENDING LEGS HAVING LOWER FREE ENDS AND DIVERGING UPWARDLY FROM AN IMAGINARY POINT BELOW THEIR FREE LOWER ENDS, MEANS FIRMLY MOUNTING SAID FREE ENDS ON THE TERRAIN SO THEY CANNOT BE FORCED AWAY FROM EACH OTHER, EACH BACK MEMBER INCLUDING A PAIR OF UPWARDLY COVERGING LEGS, EACH UPEARDLY DIVERGING LEG BEING RIGIDLY CONNECTED TO A CORRESPONDING UPWARDLY CONVERGING LEG AT SUBSTANTIALLY AT RIGHT ANGLE, FLOOR MEANS WHOLLY SUPPORTED BY SAID UPWARDLY DIVERGING LEGS WITHIN SAID FRAMEWORK SO THAT THE BULK OF ITS WEIGHT TENDS TO URGE SAID DEPENDING LEGS OUTWARDLY AGAINST THE CONSTRAINING INFLUENCE OF SAID MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID BACK MEMBER. 